Dr. David Fleming, vice president of instruction, reminded the graduates of the life-long connection they have made with each other and their faculty. "Understand the tremendous relationship you have with your faculty. You have a great support group of your faculty and among each other. That's the beauty of nursing school."

Dean Rebecca Jellison of the School of Nursing and Health Services presented Westcomb with the Florence Nightingale Award, which embodies selflessness, compassion, thoughtfulness, team play, dependability, generosity and humility, as voted by her classmates. “This person should have a huge heart and is always there to offer a hand to anyone and everyone who needs one,” Jellison said.